Tragedy caused by years of neglect: Sadiq Khan
The Grenfell Tower fire was a "preventable accident" caused by "years of neglect" by the local council and successive governments, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said yesterday.
Speaking after attending a local church service in memory of the victims, he said the fire was "a national disaster that requires a national response".
Khan has praised the heroism of Christians, Muslims and others in looking after people affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster, reported The Independent.
Flowers and missing persons posters were taped to the gates of the church, while bags of donations were piled outside the door.
After having spoken to many members of the congregation as well as others who came in after the service to see him, Khan paid tribute to the local community for its resilience but said a feeling of anger remains.
Speaking as he left the church with his wife Saadiya, Khan said: "I've spent time with the local community, not just the Christian congregation, but members of all faiths here at the church, grieving, sharing their stories.
"And I've got to say some of the stories that I've heard will stay with me forever.
"I've heard stories of heroism, from Christians, from Muslims and from others, looking after their brothers and sisters, their neighbours and doing the job that we expect from this brilliant community because of the fantastic community that is here in this part of London."
He said there was a feeling among people they have been treated badly and not understood by the council because some of them are "poor, some may come from deprived backgrounds, some may be asylum seekers and refugees".
"There's a feeling that the council and successive Governments don't understand their concerns and frankly don't care."
Families who have lost their homes must be supported, he said, grieving people must be helped and lessons must be learned following the tragedy, including ensuring it is not "so hard" for those who need help to find it.
He also said: "As the mayor of London I will do my bit to be the advocate, to be the fighter, and to be the champion of these people."
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